A marathon race for boys and girls under 14 years and 21 years was organised by the Thang Students’ Union (TSU) in collaboration with Baptist Church Thang (BCT) on 28 December in Noklak village.

For boys and girls under 14 years of age, the race covered a distance of 7km while for those under 21 years, the race stretched to a distance of 14km.

The runners not only had to run on slippery roads but also face the freezing cold thick foggy weather in the early morning hour of 5am.

Participants and organisers of the marathon race.

During the marathon race, the presence of Northeast Olympics gold medallists Niansai and Tsutsoi – who have become role models for many sports enthusiasts – served as motivation for the runners and the spectators.

For the Under 21 Boys category, Ngon W was declared the winner of the 14km race which he covered in 47 mins 11 secs. Differing by just a few seconds, Longkhoi T came in second with a time of 47 mins 19 secs.

Winners of the Under 21 Boys category with Niansai and Tsutsoi.

Peyan was third, making the race in 49 mins 39 secs. Lasang T and Lamthaio made it to fourth and fifth position with a time of 50 mins 1 secs and 50 mins 10 secs respectively.

For the Under 21 Girls category, Choin P covered the 14 km race in 57 mins 13 secs and took the first position. Sungmao H bagged the second position with a time of 1 hr 2.23 secs. Tsujang and Tsang came in third with a time of 1 hr 2.40 secs.

Winners of the Under 21 Girls category with Niansai and Tsutsoi.

The fourth and fifth positions were bagged by Muchiam and Puncho C with a time of 1 hr 3.24 secs and 1 hr 3.53 secs respectively.

For the Under 14 Boys category, Putso L came in first place by covering the 7km race in 21 mins 28 secs. Khongpe L came in second place with a time of in 21 mins 42 secs and Langshen L third with a time of 23 mins 15 secs.

Winners of the Under 14 Boys category.

Changmong with 23 mins 50 secs and Mongchon L with 23 mins 52 secs came in fourth and fifth place respectively.

For the Under 14 Girls category, Chongsop was the winner of the 7km race which she covered in 24 mins 5 secs. Phaam came in second position with a time of 27 mins 14 secs while Supei came in third with a time of 29 mins 39 secs.

Winners of the Under 14 Girls category.

Tsumian P and Muchiam came in fourth and fifth positions with a time of 30 mins 15 secs and 30 mins 48 secs respectively.

The winner of the Under 21 Boys category, Ngon W, said the pain from the tetanus injection he had taken on his right hand due to an injury the day before became worse during the race. However, his strong determination made him reach the finish line. He was glad, he said.

The youngest runner of the marathon race was nine-year old Lungo.

Although he could not bag any prizes, he won the hearts of the spectators when he was seen finishing the 7km race wearing simple crocs.

Lungo, the youngest runner of the marathon race, makes it to the finish line.

He said he would want to run again wearing shoes in the next marathon.

Altogether, 113 boys and girls participated in the marathon race.